Dec. 6 always impacts me personally. I had a beautiful sister who passed away in 2009. She lived for years in an abusive relationship that wore down her confidence, her spirit and her light. She did get the courage to leave, but still experienced abusive phone calls and harassment.
I think about her every day, but the memory is particularly poignant on Dec. 6 when I also remember the women who were killed because of their gender at l’École Polytechnique.
That day in 1989, a gunman walked into the Montreal school to target women who were studying engineering. In 20 minutes, he shot or stabbed 27 people. He killed 14 women.
This tragedy was a hideous hate crime, and in its wake it left an ever-growing movement to bring an end to gender-based violence, gender-bias and misogyny, and the mistreatment of women due to their gender.
More than 30 years later, these issues remain pervasive. There are many women in situations like my sister.
I had a beautiful sister who passed away in 2009. She lived for years in an abusive relationship that wore down her confidence, her spirit and her light.
The reality of gender-based violence is that less than one in 10 victims report the crime to the police. We need to ensure resources are in place to help women break the silence. We need support systems to help women leave dangerous situations safely.
Perhaps most importantly, we need to recognize that violence against women is happening here. It is an issue in our communities and on our campuses. Combatting this epidemic of violence against women requires sustained effort and a particular focus on education and support.
That support is now more important than ever. During the COVID pandemic, all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified. The United Nations calls it the Shadow Pandemic. We need a collective effort to stop it.
Today, I’m asking you to take one concrete action help prevent sexual harassment or sexual assault. This could include making a conscious effort to use gender- neutral language, learning about prevention and bystander intervention or, if you are able, making a donation or getting involved with an organization such the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.
At Memorial, we acknowledge this day because it is important to remember. It is important to remember these women. It is important to be aware that this hate still lives in our society, and for me, it is important to remember my sister.
We still have so much work to do to ensure this world is safe for our daughters, sisters and students.
Please take a moment to remember on Dec. 6. I will be.
Dr. Vianne Timmons, president,
Memorial University